What's next

» Lock up Thomas and Thomas: Elway deemed Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas more important to his record-breaking offense than Decker. Both of the Thomas playmakers are entering the final year of their rookie contracts. The team's capologists can figure out a way to dole out new deals with cap-friendly 2014 figures.

» Middle linebacker:Nate Irving finally showed signs of life as an early-down thumper during the playoff run. The courting of D'Qwell Jackson suggests the coaching staff still isn't completely sold on the 2011 third-round draft pick, though.

» Backfield questions: Has Ball mastered the fundamentals to the point where he's ready to step into Moreno's three-down role? Can Ronnie Hillman escape the doghouse? Fox has always harbored a bit of veteran fetish in the backfield. Might Elway have one more trick up his sleeve?

3. San Diego Chargers

What's changed: Not much of significance. The biggest change was losing offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, who helped get Philip Rivers' career back on track.

Up against the salary cap, general manager Tom Telesco threw in the towel on 2013 free-agent bust Derek Cox and dumped fullback Le'Ron McClain. He also convinced veterans Jarret Johnson and Eddie Royal to accept pay cuts. He used the savings to lock up inside linebacker Donald Butler, one of the few talented young defensive building blocks.

What's next

» Get faster: Cornerback was the biggest weak spot on the roster last season, and it has yet to be addressed in free agency. The Bolts can also use a field-stretcher at wide receiver to complement Keenan Allen. Danario Alexander is no longer in the picture, and Malcom Floyd's football career is in jeopardy.

» Pass rush: There's immediate pass-rushing help on the horizon with Dwight Freeney and Melvin Ingram returning to full health, but defensive coordinator John Pagano needs depth and young legs.

» Reward Ryan Mathews: Mathews has earned a contract extension by running as hard as any back in the league last season. It wasn't a great sign when Telesco gave Donald Brown a higher annual average than most running backs have landed on the open market.

4. Kansas City Chiefs

Why they have regressed: The Chiefs can thank an easy schedule for their 9-0 start last season. At one point, they faced a second- or third-string quarterback in five consecutive victories.

Faced with a tougher slate this year, the roster already has lost roughly 6,000 snaps in free agency when a half-dozen unspectacular but solid starters walked out the door. The offensive line took more than a glancing blow, with left tackle Branden Albert and guards Geoff Schwartz and Jon Asamoah moving on.

As Andy Reid's lone playmaker, Jamaal Charles carried the offense last season. If he goes down with an injury, the 2014 season is shot.

What's next

» Extensions for Smith and Berry: Chairman Clark Hunt acknowledged the Chiefswill make a long-term commitment to Alex Smith after the team averaged 35 points over the final seven games. Safety Eric Berry has made the Pro Bowl in all three seasons in which he's been healthy. Now he's entering the final year of his rookie contract.

» Playmakers for passing game: The Chiefs have the NFL's most overpaid wide receiver in Dwayne Bowe, who can no longer be viewed as a true No. 1 after showing a disturbing lack of playmaking ability last season. Donnie Avery is more of a three than a two. Anthony Fasano isn't getting any younger at tight end.